First Steps to Conducting a Municipal Energy Inventory
Many rural areas are not aware of the benefits that energy efficiency can provide, especially in terms of community development. Unfortunately, public officials are very busy, creating a need for a community member to be the champion of these efforts. As an interested individual or public official, you will have to involve the municipal government and the town or village board. It is important that they understand the benefits behind an energy inventory as energy data from town meters will be necessary to complete the process. Public officials and board members also serve as invaluable sources of information on the inner workings of a municipality and the best strategies to implement a project.
If you are an individual, it can often be helpful to create a Local Energy Committee (LEC). A LEC can serve as a 
community organizer and a way to develop successful Energy Action Plans (EAP) for the future. First, you should identify when the next town, village, or county board meeting is (these efforts can be made at the regional level). Meet with the Mayor or Supervisor and ask for 5-10 minutes at the next meeting. Next, create a Power Point that outlines what an inventory is, why it is important, and the help you will need from officials in terms of energy data. Stress that they will not have to do the work – all you ask for is the time of some staff in order to obtain this data. It is also very important that they understand the benefits as well as the fact that they will not have to pay for this process in any way.
See this Power Point for a sample presentation:
sample presentation is work from the Adirondack region of Upstate, New York.
Sample municipalities presentation (ppt)
To collect the energy data you will most likely work with the Municipal Clerk. Provide them with a straight forward checklist of information needed to complete the process:
